Running back Darren Sproles was absent during the Philadelphia Eagles' offseason team activities on Tuesday. According to sources, this was probably because the athlete is still waiting on the results of his potential trade deal.

According to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, during this year's draft event, the Eagles received calls from other teams asking if the Philadelphia franchise is willing to trade away its running back. This then led to rumors suggesting that the team might be interested in releasing Sproles.

However, Doug Pederson, the head coach of the Eagles, maintained that the team has no intention of trading away the athlete. He stressed that he and the team want Sproles to stay with the Eagles because he's an important asset for them.

"We had no decisions to do that, whatsoever," he said according to ESPN. "I want Darren Sproles on this football team. We want him on this football team. That's where we're at."

Sproles is the latest player to miss out on Philadelphia's offseason team activities this year. The first was Sam Bradford, who decided to skip two weeks of the offseason program while requesting for a trade. Fortunately, though, it seems Bradford has gotten over his issues involving Carson Wentz's draft since he has already rejoined the team.

But, as for Sproles' absence earlier this week, Pederson said he has no issues with the athlete missing the offseason activities since these are voluntary. The head coach also noted that Sproles is just probably taking a break from his professional career by spending more time with his family.

"He has not been here," Pederson said. "He and I are in direct communication. We've been talking all offseason, and I have no issues with Darren. I fully expect him to be here for the mandatory camp, but this is a voluntary program. I can't fault him."

"I think where he is in his career - and I've been there before, too - sometimes you just want that break," he added. "With him and his family being apart during the season, this is a time for him to spend quality time with his family."